golden state challenge
FAQS
Your most frequently asked questions, answered.
No. To earn the Golden State Challenge medal you’ll need to complete a race of 5K or longer at four separate events. For example, completing the 5K and the half marathon at the Long Beach Marathon will only count as one race for the Golden State Challenge.
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We can’t wait for you to join us on February 4, 2024, in beautiful Surf City, USA!
This award-winning, Boston-Qualifying, course is considered one of the best courses in the country and is well known for being scenic and flat. Runners come from all over to experience this exhilarating run. The race starts along the Pacific Coast Highway and passes by the famous Huntington Beach pier.
This spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach Pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. You’re bound to see local surfers catching waves as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
This award-winning half marathon course is one of the best in the country. Our most popular track, is well known for being scenic and flat. Start along Pacific Coast Highway and pass by the famous Huntington Beach Pier as you run north. Enjoy the beauty of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve as you start your turn. Enjoy the Pacific Ocean on your right-hand side as you kick it up a notch for the crowds as you as make your way to an oceanfront finish!
Don’t miss out on the Surf City fun! If you can’t do the longer distance, take part in the 5K and keep a part of the action! Enjoy ocean views throughout your race and enjoy the beer garden before the marathon and half marathoners make their way back to the finish line!
Join hundreds of other runners for our Beach Mile – a run on the famous sands of Huntington Beach! Run barefoot or in shoes as you make your way half a mile north toward the Huntington Beach Pier before turning around and storming back to the finish line. Running on Sunday? Pair your Sunday race with Saturday’s Beach Mile and you’ll qualify for the Cowabunga Challenge and earn a third medal!
We can’t wait for you to join us on February 4, 2024, in beautiful Surf City, USA!
This award-winning, Boston-Qualifying, course is considered one of the best courses in the country and is well known for being scenic and flat. Runners come from all over to experience this exhilarating run. The race starts along the Pacific Coast Highway and passes by the famous Huntington Beach pier.
This spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach Pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. You’re bound to see local surfers catching waves as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
This spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach Pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. You’re bound to see local surfers catching waves as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
This award-winning half marathon course is one of the best in the country. Our most popular track, is well known for being scenic and flat. Start along Pacific Coast Highway and pass by the famous Huntington Beach Pier as you run north. Enjoy the beauty of the Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve as you start your turn. Enjoy the Pacific Ocean on your right-hand side as you kick it up a notch for the crowds as you as make your way to an oceanfront finish!
Don’t miss out on the Surf City fun! If you can’t do the longer distance, take part in the 5K and keep a part of the action! Enjoy ocean views throughout your race and enjoy the beer garden before the marathon and half marathoners make their way back to the finish line!
Join hundreds of other runners for our Beach Mile – a run on the famous sands of Huntington Beach! Run barefoot or in shoes as you make your way half a mile north toward the Huntington Beach Pier before turning around and storming back to the finish line. Running on Sunday? Pair your Sunday race with Saturday’s Beach Mile and you’ll qualify for the Cowabunga Challenge and earn a third medal!
RUN… SIP… SANTA BARBARA.
Get your running shoes and wine glasses ready for your run-cation at the only half marathon in the historic Danish town of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.
This gorgeous route takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley and finishes in Solvang with a post-race wine festival.
Choose to run the half marathon on your own, or partner with a running buddy and join as a two-person relay to tackle the distance together!
The only half marathon in the historic Danish town of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 13.1-mile course that winds through the Santa Ynez Valley bordered by vineyards and the Sierra Madre Mountains. The course starts in downtown Solvang, then passes through the quaint town of Los Olivos, making its way up Corkscrew Hill before the beautiful run down Ballard Canyon to the grand finish on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of historic Solvang. Along the way you’ll wind through clusters of horse ranches, fruit orchards, lavender farms, and vineyards.
Split the distance and share the glory! Leg 1 of the relay is 5.8 miles and is generally uphill while leg 2 is 7.3 miles and generally downhill (although a couple of climbs are included). At the Relay Transition in Los Olivos, the 1st runner will receive their medal, recovery goody bag, and will have access to transportation from the transition to the Festival after starting the race in Solvang. The 2nd leg runner will begin at the Relay Transition when their partner makes it to them and will finish the race at the finish line in Solvang.
RUN… SIP… SANTA BARBARA.
Get your running shoes and wine glasses ready for your run-cation at the only half marathon in the historic Danish town of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.
This gorgeous route takes you through the Santa Ynez Valley and finishes in Solvang with a post-race wine festival.
Choose to run the half marathon on your own, or partner with a running buddy and join as a two-person relay to tackle the distance together!
The only half marathon in the historic Danish town of Solvang, CA in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 13.1-mile course that winds through the Santa Ynez Valley bordered by vineyards and the Sierra Madre Mountains. The course starts in downtown Solvang, then passes through the quaint town of Los Olivos, making its way up Corkscrew Hill before the beautiful run down Ballard Canyon to the grand finish on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of historic Solvang. Along the way you’ll wind through clusters of horse ranches, fruit orchards, lavender farms, and vineyards.
Split the distance and share the glory! Leg 1 of the relay is 5.8 miles and is generally uphill while leg 2 is 7.3 miles and generally downhill (although a couple of climbs are included). At the Relay Transition in Los Olivos, the 1st runner will receive their medal, recovery goody bag, and will have access to transportation from the transition to the Festival after starting the race in Solvang. The 2nd leg runner will begin at the Relay Transition when their partner makes it to them and will finish the race at the finish line in Solvang.
This historic 12k fun run through the streets of San Francisco is over 100 years in the making.
It’s a race made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends and be cheered on every step of the way by SF’s finest crowds. Pushing boundaries and breaking records since 1912 – it’s your turn to join the party.
Bay to Breakers starts in the Embarcadero neighborhood by the San Francisco Bay, and takes you through nine of the city’s most notable neighborhoods—all the way to the Great Highway, where the breakers crash into Ocean Beach.
Among other sights, you’ll race through Panhandle Park at the northern boundary of the Haight Ashbury—the birthplace of the Deadhead—and cut through Golden Gate Park.
Pro tip: watch out for the bison!
This historic 12k fun run through the streets of San Francisco is over 100 years in the making.
It’s a race made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends and be cheered on every step of the way by SF’s finest crowds. Pushing boundaries and breaking records since 1912 – it’s your turn to join the party.
Bay to Breakers starts in the Embarcadero neighborhood by the San Francisco Bay, and takes you through nine of the city’s most notable neighborhoods—all the way to the Great Highway, where the breakers crash into Ocean Beach.
Among other sights, you’ll race through Panhandle Park at the northern boundary of the Haight Ashbury—the birthplace of the Deadhead—and cut through Golden Gate Park.
Pro tip: watch out for the bison!
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K
The world-renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys serve as the host of this incredible event; offering the finest in wine country ambience and hospitality. Join us for the run and bring family and friends to stay and play!
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 13.1-mile route through Napa and Sonoma’s wine country. Enjoy the views as you pass through rolling vineyards, ranches, and farms as you start in Napa on your way to a finish in front of historic Sonoma Plaza! Run 13.1 miles and then taste local wines at the post-race wine festival.
The Rosé 5K will be held on Saturday, July 15th in beautiful, Sonoma, CA. Starting and finishing in historic, Sonoma Plaza, participants will enjoy the best of the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Run the Rosé 5K before enjoying the rest of the day in wine country!
Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K
The world-renowned Napa and Sonoma Valleys serve as the host of this incredible event; offering the finest in wine country ambience and hospitality. Join us for the run and bring family and friends to stay and play!
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 13.1-mile route through Napa and Sonoma’s wine country. Enjoy the views as you pass through rolling vineyards, ranches, and farms as you start in Napa on your way to a finish in front of historic Sonoma Plaza! Run 13.1 miles and then taste local wines at the post-race wine festival.
The Rosé 5K will be held on Saturday, July 15th in beautiful, Sonoma, CA. Starting and finishing in historic, Sonoma Plaza, participants will enjoy the best of the heart of the Sonoma Valley. Run the Rosé 5K before enjoying the rest of the day in wine country!
The perfect California running experience. For everyone.
Next September 17th, Huntington Beach is once again home to one of the most beautiful running races in California – start and finish from Huntington Beach’s Pier Plaza. Run along the PCH and take in sandy beaches, palm tree-studded hills, wave surfing dolphins and more.
Whatever your distance, 10 miles, 10k, or 5k, celebrate post-race Surf City style! Don’t miss out on California’s perfect 10.
See the best of Huntington Beach as you take on the 10 Miler! Enjoy the views of the ocean and palm trees as you run down Pacific Coast Highway starting and finishing at the famous Huntington Beach Pier!
See the best of Huntington Beach as you take on the 10K! Enjoy the views of the ocean and palm trees as you run down Pacific Coast Highway starting and finishing at the famous Huntington Beach Pier!
See the best of Huntington Beach as you take on the 5K! Enjoy the views of the ocean and palm trees as you run down Pacific Coast Highway starting and finishing at the famous Huntington Beach Pier!
The perfect California running experience. For everyone.
Next September 17th, Huntington Beach is once again home to one of the most beautiful running races in California – start and finish from Huntington Beach’s Pier Plaza. Run along the PCH and take in sandy beaches, palm tree-studded hills, wave surfing dolphins and more.
Whatever your distance, 10 miles, 10k, or 5k, celebrate post-race Surf City style! Don’t miss out on California’s perfect 10.
Run It. Bike It. Own It.
Choose from Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour, or Aquarium of the Pacific 5K distances at the Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon. Race weekend takes place October 14-15th weekend with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses.
What are you waiting for?
Challenge yourself to 26.2 miles and look forward to a fast and flat course at sea level elevation. Starting in Downtown Long Beach, runners head towards the historic Queen Mary and then through Shoreline Village.
After running next to the Pacific Ocean on the flat beach path, marathoners head through Belmont Shore toward Marine Stadium. Runners then complete a 5K loop around the California State University, Long Beach campus and with 6.2 miles to go, runners head back towards Ocean Boulevard for a fast finish and Finish Line Festival celebration!
Enjoy the oceanfront, marina, neighborhoods and monuments that make truly unique and race with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses.
You can see the Pacific Ocean for 90% of the half marathon course! The half marathon course combines spectacular oceanfront views, charming seaside communities, and the metropolitan feel at the start and finish.
The highest elevation on the course is 45 feet. Starting on Shoreline Drive, the course passes the new Pike at Shoreline Village, crosses the Queensway Bridge and runs to the bow of the Queen Mary, circles back around the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Lighthouse at Rainbow Harbor, then back by Shoreline Village before heading down the beautiful beach path.
You’ll close out your race running above the ocean along the bluff before closing out downhill into a cheering final straight of fans!
See the best of Huntington Beach as you take on the 5K! Enjoy the views of the ocean and palm trees as you run down Pacific Coast Highway starting and finishing at the famous Huntington Beach Pier!
Run It. Bike It. Own It.
Choose from Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Tour, or Aquarium of the Pacific 5K distances at the Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon. Race weekend takes place October 14-15th weekend with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses.
What are you waiting for?
MARATHON
Challenge yourself to 26.2 miles and look forward to a fast and flat course at sea level elevation. Starting in Downtown Long Beach, runners head towards the historic Queen Mary and then through Shoreline Village.
After running next to the Pacific Ocean on the flat beach path, marathoners head through Belmont Shore toward Marine Stadium. Runners then complete a 5K loop around the California State University, Long Beach campus and with 6.2 miles to go, runners head back towards Ocean Boulevard for a fast finish and Finish Line Festival celebration!
Enjoy the oceanfront, marina, neighborhoods and monuments that make truly unique and race with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses.
You can see the Pacific Ocean for 90% of the half marathon course! The half marathon course combines spectacular oceanfront views, charming seaside communities, and the metropolitan feel at the start and finish.
The highest elevation on the course is 45 feet. Starting on Shoreline Drive, the course passes the new Pike at Shoreline Village, crosses the Queensway Bridge and runs to the bow of the Queen Mary, circles back around the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Lighthouse at Rainbow Harbor, then back by Shoreline Village before heading down the beautiful beach path.
You’ll close out your race running above the ocean along the bluff before closing out downhill into a cheering final straight of fans!
A Race for Everybody, And Every Body.
Start off your weekend with an energizing 5K on Saturday, stay for the day at our Beach Expo and, after a good night’s sleep, get ready to crush our Half Marathon on Sunday.
15th Annual Malibu Half Marathon scenic course offers runners a rare opportunity to run the storied Pacific Coast Highway and experience Malibu.
Get ready to soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, and thousand of inspired runners on the road.
The Half Marathon starts and ends at world-famous Zuma Beach, Malibu offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route along the pristine Malibu coastline. From the starting line, the course proceeds along the Zuma Beach Access Rd and then turns left on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offering a prime view of the pristine Malibu beach. After making the turnaround, just north of San Nicolas Canyon, runners head back down the coast to the finish line. The Half Marathon course is USATF-measured and participants will have 4+ hours to complete their race, i.e. 18 minutes-per-mile pace for the Half-Marathon.
The 5K offers an incredibly all-flat scenic beachside course along the famed Zuma Beach, Malibu.
Get ready to soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, and hundreds of inspired runners on the road.
The 5K course starts and ends at world-famous Zuma Beach offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route in one of the most distinctive landmarks in Southern California and a cinematic backdrop for numerous films and TV commercials. From the starting line, the course proceeds along the Zuma Beach Access Rd and then turns left on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offering a prime view of the pristine Malibu beach. After turning along the entire length of Zuma Beach, you’ll turn back inside the parking lot, just south of Trancas Canyon, to the finish line. With no hills, this course is perfect for anyone looking to attempt a personal record — or just looking for a gorgeous, well-organized event.
A Race for Everybody, And Every Body.
Start off your weekend with an energizing 5K on Saturday, stay for the day at our Beach Expo and, after a good night’s sleep, get ready to crush our Half Marathon on Sunday.
15th Annual Malibu Half Marathon scenic course offers runners a rare opportunity to run the storied Pacific Coast Highway and experience Malibu.
Get ready to soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, and thousand of inspired runners on the road.
The Half Marathon starts and ends at world-famous Zuma Beach, Malibu offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route along the pristine Malibu coastline. From the starting line, the course proceeds along the Zuma Beach Access Rd and then turns left on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offering a prime view of the pristine Malibu beach. After making the turnaround, just north of San Nicolas Canyon, runners head back down the coast to the finish line. The Half Marathon course is USATF-measured and participants will have 4+ hours to complete their race, i.e. 18 minutes-per-mile pace for the Half-Marathon.
The 5K offers an incredibly all-flat scenic beachside course along the famed Zuma Beach, Malibu.
Get ready to soak up spectacular views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers and sunbathers in the water, and hundreds of inspired runners on the road.
The 5K course starts and ends at world-famous Zuma Beach offering participants a beautiful out-and-back route in one of the most distinctive landmarks in Southern California and a cinematic backdrop for numerous films and TV commercials. From the starting line, the course proceeds along the Zuma Beach Access Rd and then turns left on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offering a prime view of the pristine Malibu beach. After turning along the entire length of Zuma Beach, you’ll turn back inside the parking lot, just south of Trancas Canyon, to the finish line. With no hills, this course is perfect for anyone looking to attempt a personal record — or just looking for a gorgeous, well-organized event.
Run The Bridge.
Welcome to San Francisco. On November 5, 2023, we’ll come together to celebrate the 22nd edition of the Golden Gate Half Marathon & 5K! Join us, as we #RunSF, and celebrate the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area running community.
What sets the Golden Gate Half apart from other races? The opportunity for runners to experience one of the world’s most illustrious cities. The half marathon course crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, twice! Prepare for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay as you make your way across one of the most recognizable icons in the world. The City’s stunning natural beauty is on full display as you pass through the Marina, the Presidio, and Crissy Fields on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!
The Golden Gate 5K provides a great option to participate on race day and is the perfect distance for all abilities! Run or walk the 5K with friends and family while you take in the beautiful views of San Francisco. While the 5K course doesn’t cross the Golden Gate Bridge, you will still experience the best of the Marina on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!
Run The Birdge.
Welcome to San Francisco. On November 5, 2023, we’ll come together to celebrate the 22nd edition of the Golden Gate Half Marathon & 5K! Join us, as we #RunSF, and celebrate the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area running community.
What sets the Golden Gate Half apart from other races? The opportunity for runners to experience one of the world’s most illustrious cities. The half marathon course crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, twice! Prepare for sweeping views of San Francisco Bay as you make your way across one of the most recognizable icons in the world. The City’s stunning natural beauty is on full display as you pass through the Marina, the Presidio, and Crissy Fields on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!
The Golden Gate 5K provides a great option to participate on race day and is the perfect distance for all abilities! Run or walk the 5K with friends and family while you take in the beautiful views of San Francisco. While the 5K course doesn’t cross the Golden Gate Bridge, you will still experience the best of the Marina on your way to a landmark finish in front of Ghirardelli Square!
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